Dear Parents
The Head of Winchester College has made headlines this week for the school’s stance on technology in the classroom. Teachers have been asked not to use technology in lessons, and pupils to work with pen and paper only, unless a digital tool can be shown to have a demonstrably better impact on learning.
The announcement reflects an increasingly polarised debate in education. Critics of classroom technology point to excessive screen time, fragmented attention and a negative impact on reading, concentration and handwriting. Supporters argue that, used well, digital tools can personalise learning, widen access to resources, support pupils with additional needs and prepare young people for a world in which technology, including AI, is unavoidable. We know that these differing views are reflected within our own parent community, and we recognise that both perspectives are equally valid and come from a place of deep care for our children.
At Dumpton, we have always tried to tread this tightrope carefully. Similar to Winchester College, any screen time we introduce is carefully considered and driven by bettering learning outcomes. At the same time, we make sure our pupils enjoy the remarkable benefits that technology can bring. Crucially, we want them to grow into confident, capable and discerning users of technology, ready for a world in which digital and AI literacy will matter more than ever.
As we work towards our 2030 Vision, in which technology plays a central part in our ‘We are Future Ready’ strand, we have formed a Digital Strategy Working Party to shape our approach over the coming years. Alongside teaching staff from across the school, we are delighted to be joined by Stuart Ayres, Digital Director for the Canford Schools Group, whose expertise is substantial. Our first meeting was lively, full of healthy debate and, above all, focused on what matters most: our pupils.
While the wider debate continues, we will remain guided by the evidence of what is genuinely best for our children, not by headlines or trends. I look forward to keeping you updated - and involved too - as our work develops.
Ski Trip
Thank you to Mrs Sowden for an excellent presentation on the Ski Trip last night. There was much excitement about what looks to be a magical and memorable trip to Italy in December 2027. Parents in Y5 to Y7 should look out for the final communication shortly, and please confirm a place for your child by the end of half term.
Informal Concert
Music at Dumpton is flourishing, and the informal concert today showcased this brilliantly. The newly formed Chamber Choir’s performance blew me away – and it was wonderful to see so many pupils at different stages of their musical journey making such progress. Musical instruments are hard to master, and require grit, determination and courage. But like anything in life, doing hard things often brings the greatest rewards. Well done to all our musical children!
Evi X – Music Success – from Ms Oakes
Huge congratulations to Evie X, who recently competed successfully at the Two Moors Music Festival. Last weekend she was invited to perform at the Winners' concert alongside a 15-year-old violinist, 14-year-old viola player and 18-year-old Pianist. We are so proud of her, performing at such a high level in a really advanced field, and we can't wait to hear her next performance in school!
Y1 Space Day – from Mrs Limpenny
What a phenomenal day we had celebrating all things space! The children looked absolutely incredible as they arrived dressed as nebulas, black holes, astronauts, aliens and star constellations. Our day was packed with exciting activities, from baking delicious planet-shaped bread and junk modelling fantastic jetpacks and rockets to an extraordinary science lab experience with Mrs Catton, who created a spectacular comet using NASA-approved materials, including dry ice and metals! We launched rockets with an explosive bang, strutted our stuff in our fabulous space fashion show and danced the day away at our space-themed disco. To finish, our budding astronauts took part in astronaut training, developing their fine and gross motor skills as they tackled their cosmic challenges. What an unforgettable, action-packed adventure through the universe!
Sporting Achievements This Half Term
Whilst sport is very much for all at Dumpton, we also want our pupils to ‘aim high’, and this has been a remarkable six weeks of achievements. Leading the way, our U11 Girls’ footballers have reached the National Finals and the U13 Girls’ hockey team are County Champions, winning the In2 County Tournament at Bryanston after a nerve-shredding penalty shuffle final.
Our U11 Boys’ footballers have also had a stellar half term, winning the IAPS Plate at Brambletye, going unbeaten to win the Walhampton Tournament, and finishing runners-up in a 14-team field at Bryanston. There were further runners-up finishes for the U11 Girls’ hockey (Bryanston), U10 Girls’ hockey (Canford), U12 Girls’ hockey (Canford U13 tournament, against older opposition), and both our U13 and U13B Boys’ football teams at Walhampton, with the U13Bs also reaching the semi-finals at Bryanston.
National finalists, county champions and tournament success across so many age groups – and our U9 and U8 girls and boys exploits this season suggests that more success will be on the way in the coming years!
Individual Sporting Success
Raffi L continues to shine in hockey, and as well as the Dorset County Squad, he has been selected to play for the South West Panthers this year – what an achievement. Cooper S and Ebba G have both also had real success in the Prep School Lions football selection process, and both are due to head to Sweden next year to represent England at the Gothia Cup. We’re very proud of them all!
From Dumpton Friends
Thank you to everyone that contributed to making the bake sale yesterday, in aid of Forest Holme Hospice, a great success. I'm sure everyone will agree the bakes on offer were delicious! We will update you with a total shortly.
Monkey World – from Mrs Wellman
On Thursday, Year 4 had a fantastic day at Monkey World, where they developed their knowledge of primates and learned how we can help protect them. During an informative workshop, the children discovered the differences between monkeys and apes and explored how human actions have affected primate welfare around the world. The pupils also enjoyed exploring the rescue centre, and the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly seeing the primates up close and observing their behaviour in their natural habitats.
Pupil Image Safety
We have already had over 60 responses to our very brief survey about the safety of pupil images, following my letter yesterday on what is a very thorny topic. Your input is greatly appreciated.
With best wishes for the weekend.
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events W/B Monday 19 October
WEEK B
Week 8: Theme of the Week – Rights & Responsibilities
Monday 19 October
9.00-11.00 Reception Visit to Wimborne Library
15.00-15.30 Pre-Prep PSHE Assembly
16.30 Final of the Public Speaking Competition (Y7 & Y8)
Tuesday 20 October
14.15-16.15 No Lower Prep Tuesday fixtures: timetabled lessons
Wednesday 21 October
14.15-16.15 Prep School House Matches: no spectators!
17.15 Half Term Begins